Storm Ciaran batters the South of England
Yellow and amber warnings are in place for the south coast, with hundreds of flood alerts
Last updated 29th Nov 2023
Heavy rain and strong winds from Storm Ciaran has battered the South East Coast overnight and continues to cause disruption today, (Thursday 2nd).
An amber warning for wind, the second highest level of alert, is in place until midday across parts of East Sussex and Kent, and there are further yellow rain and wind warnings across the South Coast until 5pm.
A major incident has been declared in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight because of the expected pressure on local services, and hundreds of schools across the south have also closed because of the risk to pupils.
Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said: "There will be very dangerous conditions on the coastline, large waves. We'd urge people not to go near the water's edge.
"Rain warnings are in place, there will be some very saturated grounds bringing an additional hazard."
The warning says wind could disrupt travel, down power lines and cause structural damage, with flying debris providing a threat to life.
Elsewhere in southern England and south-west Wales, gusts could reach 50mph to 60mph with 60mph to 70mph on the coasts.
Yellow warnings for rain are in place for southern England and Wales, north-east Wales, north-east England and Scotland stretching up to Inverness, and the south-east of Northern Ireland.
People are being urged by the Environment Agency to prepare for "possible significant flooding" across parts of England until tomorrow.
Flooding is expected in 54 areas, according to the Environment Agency, most of which are on the south coast of England.
The weather is not showing much sign of a rapid improvement once Storm Ciaran does pass.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Steven Keates said: "Once Storm Ciaran has passed, the weather over the weekend continues to look unsettled for many, with more showers and rain at times.
"Warnings will continue to be updated over the coming days, so it is important to stay up to date with the Met Office forecast and warnings in your area."